You may not know much about the term metabolism, but you may want to learn more when you realize its close connection with weight gain. The two are intrinsically linked. Therefore, learning about your metabolism and how it works can help you manage your senior weight more effectively. Metabolism changes with body aging. The aging effects of metabolism is significant.

Explanation of Common Terms

We’re going to start by explaining some of the common terms that are related to your metabolism. First of all, the term metabolism refers to the rate at which your body burns calories or uses energy. The term resting metabolism is used to describe the number of calories required to keep you body functioning when you are resting. Your basal metabolic rate or BMR indicates the rate your body burns calories.

Metabolism & Burning Calories

You may be wondering what all this has to do with weight gain. Well, everyone metabolizes the nutrients found in their food at different rates. This means that you will burn calories at a faster rater if you have a higher metabolism. Individuals with a slowing metabolism or slower metabolic rate burn calories less efficiently. With age, men and women tend to have a slower metabolism. Scientists don’t know if this is part of the natural aging process.

Faster & Slower Metabolisms

A faster metabolism enables you burn calories faster which can help you maintain your weight. On the other hand, a slower metabolism means your body does not burn calories as efficiently. It will store all the extra calories, and then later convert them to fat. The end result is normally dreaded senior weight gain.

How To Calculate Your BMR

You can calculate your basal metabolic rate by multiplying your weight by 100. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, you would use the following formula:

180 x 10 = 1,800 BMR

This means that if you consume 1,800 calories each day, you will maintain your weight. If you eat more than that, you will begin to gain weight and vice-versa. This is only a rough estimate, as other factors such as the amount of exercise you perform weekly can affect your BMR.

How to Increase Your BMR

Body aging often changes the hormonal balance, which can lower your metabolism. The aging effects of metabolism change is significant. The good news is that you can increase your metabolism with one simple step – exercising regularly! As you get older, exercise becomes even more important. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, performing regular aerobic exercise can help you to maintain your weight. Adult exercise is critical to good retirement health and aging affects. It also makes for a good heart and slows brain age. Baby boomers generation is learning regular strength straining using weights or other forms of resistance will also help you to increase your metabolism and age.